Love outweighs hatred in Joshua-Julia partnership

Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia

“You may hate what the person is doing, but this can never overcome the love you have for him,” actress Julia Barretto said of her rumored boyfriend Joshua Garcia, who will soon be reunited with her on the big screen in Giselle Andres’ rom-com, “I Love You, Hater.”

To answer the question: “Who was the last person you hated but still loved?,” Julia pointed to Joshua and added, “because there were decisions made by the person you love (that eventually made you hate him). But, at the end of the day, it’s still your love for him that prevails.”

Julia did not elaborate, but many assumed her statement was in relation to the screenshot of a private conversation between Joshua and a female netizen that went viral recently. Joshua earlier admitted that this had caused a fight between him and Julia, and tearfully apologized in public.

“I’m sorry for my mistake. I promise to be a better man for you and for us,” Joshua repeated to Julia during a media conference that producer Star Cinema hosted recently.

As for his answer to the question, the actor replied: “I hate myself. I’ve recently made wrong decisions; but since this is me, I still have to love myself.”

The screen sweethearts with costar Kris Aquino

The film is Joshua and Julia’s (collectively known as JoshLia) fourth film together. Joshua said that their relationship “improves with every project,” but Julia admitted to feeling the pressure.

They both want “I Love You, Hater,” which will begin its theatrical run starting July 11, to be a success, she said. “With this project, we’re just hoping for the best. Our characters here are totally out of our comfort zones. They show different experiences of love, pain and kilig.”

Joshua shared that he “struggled” with his character, Joko, a man who has to pretend to be gay in order to land a job that would earn him the money he needs.

Julia, who plays the go-getter Zoey, said her portrayal in the film is her “freest” yet. “In this project, I’ve learned to let go of so many strings—my inhibitions, worries and fears. Here, I was able to expand.”

She did say that in one scene, she broke down for real. “A lot of women will be able to relate to that particular scene. As women, there are situations when we have to be strong and brave right away. While that’s important, there are also times when we need to just let go,” she declared. “Sometimes, we learn to forgive, not only for the sake of the person who did us wrong, but also for ourselves.”